LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume IV, Issue 226, 30 December 1854, Page 4

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.

Freemasonky.—The members of "The New Zealand Lodge of Unanimity of Ancient, Free, and Accepted Masons," celebrated the festival of St. John the -Evangelist, and to iustal the W.M. elect, on Thursday last, in their Lodge room, in Brother Alport's store. The brethren of the craft assembled-at twoo'clock, p.m., shortly after which the lodge was duly opened by Brother Alport, the W.M., in the presence of the members of the Lodge, assisted by P.M. brother Moore, P.M. brother Gouland, P.M. brother Fooks, and several of the officers and memhers of the St. Augustine Lodge, Christchurch, shortly after which the installation of Broth er Donald, the SAW last year, as the W. M. elect for the ensuing year, took place, the charge being delivered by P.M. brother Moore. The W.M. then proceeded to. elect his officers for the ensuing year, when brother Dobbs was appointed S.W., Brother Warmald, J.W., brother Taylor, S.D., Brother Gee, J.D., brother Alport, Treasurer, brother M'Cardell, Secretary, Brother Silk, J.G., and brother Ford, Tyler. Soon after 5 o'clock the duties of the Lodge having been concluded, the Brethren adjourned from labour to refreshment, and about 40 of them sat down to a sumptuous' banquet provided for the occasion by Brother Gee, which gave universal satisfaction. The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and heartily responded to in true Masonic style. After doing ample justice to the wine, &c, and spending a pleasant evening, the brethren separated shortly afier 10 o'clock, p.m., equally delighted with the proceedings of the erening, as well as with the progress the noblej science] of Freemasonry had made and was .making in the Province. —. Communicated. Concert.—On Tuesday, the 26th inst., the Lyttelldti Choral Society gave a Concert at the Town ;I-lall, which brought together a large audience, who showed by their applause that it was one of the [most pleasing we have had. Some of the pieces were very well performedi especially the glees, which were given with great spirit, and a chorus by Neithart," (" Echo") was rendered with great delicacy. We would,however, here take the opportunity of calling the attention of the performers to the importance of each individual making himself master of his part, for it is "extraordinary how a single voice tells. Any error or indecision in any of the parts weakens the effect of the whole, and though it may not be discovered by the general car, the effect nevertheless is spoilt, and

the piece sung is unsatisfactory both to audience and \ performers. Careful study is what is wanted.

TJiese remarks are not made in any captious simply with the desire of urging the ineinbe|s of the Choral Society to aim generally at that degree of excellence, whiehrin some of their pieces they show themselves capable of attaining-. — (From a Correspondent). Indeimcnbenx Ordeii of Odd Fellows, M.U.—The members of the'above order connected with the City of Norwich Lodge, Lyttelton, celebrated their} third anniversary of the introduction of Odd Fellowship^into the Province^of Canterbury, by" a dinner at the Canterbury Hotel, on the 22nd inst, Mr. Rowland Davis, P.G. and C.S. of the District in the chair. Fifty members sat down to an excellent dinner provided'by host Richard Davis. After the usual loyal and appropriate toasts had been honoured, the chairman congratulated the brethren on the prosperous condition of their really useful order, and after having spent an agreeable evening, the members separated at an early hour.— Communicated.